Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA)
Fish oil is an essential source of omega-3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fat, in addition to vitamin A and vitamin D. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the proper development of the eyes, brain, reproductive cells and vital for heart and lung health, in addition to optimal functioning of the immune and endocrine systems.
Natural Sources
Fish and other seafood (especially cold-water fatty fish)
Nuts and seeds (such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts)
Plant oils
Benefits | |
|---|---|
Used for ADHD ⁽¹⁾ | Used for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive health ⁽²⁾ |
Used for arthritis ⁽³⁾ | Used for cancer ⁽⁴⁾ |
Used for cardiovascular disease ⁽⁵⁾ | Used for depression and anxiety ⁽⁶⁾ |
Used for diabetes complications ⁽⁷⁾ | Used for eye / vision related disorders ⁽⁸⁾ |
Used for skin and hair ⁽⁹⁾ | Used for fertility and pregnancy ⁽¹⁰⁾ |
Used for weight loss / management ⁽¹¹⁾ | |
Evidence Summary
Danish scientists noticed specific Inuit populations had lower rates of heart disease. Researchers concluded that the comparative rarity of heart disease was due to diets rich in fatty fish like salmon, herring, and sardines. In addition to vitamins A and D, Fish oil is a good source of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to healthy aging throughout life. Studies had found that EPA and DHA have been associated with foetal development, cardiovascular function, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, because our bodies do not efficiently produce some omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources, it is necessary to obtain adequate amounts through fish and fish-oil products. Studies have shown that EPA and DHA are important for proper foetal development, including neuronal, retinal, and immune function. EPA and DHA may affect many aspects of cardiovascular function including inflammation, peripheral artery disease, major coronary events, and anticoagulation. EPA and DHA have been linked to promising results in prevention, weight management, and cognitive function in those with very mild Alzheimer’s disease. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found along with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cold-water fish, including tuna and salmon. EPA prevents the blood from clotting easily, reduces triglyceride levels in the blood (12), and has effects that might reduce pain and swelling. EPA is a 20-carbon fatty acid found in oily fish, algae oil and krill oil. Your body is able to synthesize this molecule in its original form. EPA and DHA are the omega-3s your body needs in high quantities to achieve the benefits they offer. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) This is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in cold-water fish, including tuna and salmon. DHA plays a key role in the development of eye and nerve tissues. DHA might also reduce the risk of heart and circulatory disease by decreasing the thickness of the blood, reducing swelling (inflammation), and lowering blood levels of triglycerides. This 22-carbon molecule is also found in oily fish, krill oil, algae oil and omega-3 fish oil supplements. Your body converts some DHA molecules back to EPA in order to balance levels if you consume more DHA. DHA is indicated for high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood. It is also used for boosting memory and thinking skills, for helping infant and child development (13), for certain eye disorders.
Products with Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA)
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Where are Ultra Nature products manufactured?
All of our vitamins and supplements are designed, tested, approved and manufactured in Australia.
Are all Ultra Nature Products TGA Approved?
Ultra Nature Products are Approved by the TGA where required, and, if so, carry an Aust L number on front of the product packaging.
The only product in our range that is not TGA approved is the Ultra Nature Propolis and Manuka Honey Oral Spray.
This product is classified as a food supplement due to the Manuka Honey Content, hence it does not require TGA Approval.
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Ultra Nature products are available in many pharmacies and health food stores around Australia. For your convenience, you can also shop online right here at ultranature.com.au or view our stockists here.
What age group is suitable to consume an adult dose?
As per TGA guidelines, an adult dose is suitable for individuals 18 years and older.
How should I store my vitamins and supplements?
We recommend referring to the label for safe storage guidance. In general, with any supplement, it is always recommend that you store them at an average room temperature of 25°C and you must not store them in direct sunlight or near heat.
References:
1. Bradbury, Joanne. “Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): an ancient nutrient for the modern human brain.” Nutrients vol. 3,5 (2011): 529-54. doi:10.3390/nu3050529
2. Fiala, M., Halder, R.C., Sagong, B., Ross, O., Sayre, J., Porter, V. and Bredesen, D.E. (2015), ω-3 Supplementation increases amyloid-β phagocytosis and resolvin D1 in patients with minor cognitive impairment. The FASEB Journal, 29: 2681-2689. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.14-264218
3. Maroon, Joseph Charles, and Jeffrey W Bost. “Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain.” Surgical neurology vol. 65,4 (2006): 326-31. doi:10.1016/j.surneu.2005.10.023
4. Gu, Zhennan et al. “Mechanisms of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in prostate cancer prevention.” BioMed research international vol. 2013 (2013): 824563. doi:10.1155/2013/824563
5. de Magalhães, João Pedro et al. “Fish oil supplements, longevity and aging.” Aging vol. 8,8 (2016): 1578-82. doi:10.18632/aging.101021
6. Appleton, Katherine M et al. “Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adults.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2015,11 CD004692. 5 Nov. 2015, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004692.pub4
7. Sun, Li-Juan et al. “Fish oil modulates glycogen synthase kinase-3 signaling pathway in diabetes-induced hippocampal neurons apoptosis.” Brain research vol. 1574 (2014): 37-49. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2014.05.050
8. Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group. “Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial.” JAMA vol. 309,19 (2013): 2005-15. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.4997
9. Huang, Tse-Hung et al. “Cosmetic and Therapeutic Applications of Fish Oil’s Fatty Acids on the Skin.” Marine drugs vol. 16,8 256. 30 Jul. 2018, doi:10.3390/md16080256
10. Stanhiser, J et al. “Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and fecundability.” Human reproduction (Oxford, England) vol. 37,5 (2022): 1037-1046. doi:10.1093/humrep/deac027
11. Couet, C et al. “Effect of dietary fish oil on body fat mass and basal fat oxidation in healthy adults.” International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity vol. 21,8 (1997): 637-43. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0800451
12. Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis – eClinicalMedicine (thelancet.com)
13. Mulder, Kelly A et al. “Fetal DHA inadequacy and the impact on child neurodevelopment: a follow-up of a randomised trial of maternal DHA supplementation in pregnancy.” The British journal of nutrition vol. 119,3 (2018): 271-279. doi:10.1017/S0007114517003531